Jewelry Making Design Elements

An accent is a secondary design element that is meant to accentuate the primary design element(s), usually by providing contrast in color, texture, or both. Contrast does not have to be bright or dramatic–usually accents are not what you notice first in a piece, but by being there they provide overall balance to the piece and make it work. For example, often the metal color (such as silver, bronze) will provide an accent to the main color(s) of the piece.

A bolo tie can be made from a piece of cord, string, or braidedleather fashioned into a necktie. It is fastened at the throat with decorative tips or an ornamental clasp. The two ends of the cord are threaded through the clasp so they are held in parallel, with the tips meeting each other evenly at the base. The clasp can be placed higher or lower in position on the chest, as the wearer prefers. photo credit

1) A cone-shaped crystal or gemstone where the top circular edge is beveled. Sometimes refers to costume jewelry where crystal beads in this shape are backed by foil to make them sparkle. 2) A type of setting where the gemstone is held in place by metal claws. Contrast with bezel setting.

Delicate ornamentation consisting of the twisting, curling and plaiting of fine, pliable strands of metal, usually gold or silver. Metal filigreebeads are available as well as filigree bead caps or other findings. The use of filigree in beading projects tends to create an elegant or even antique look.

Fringe adds motion and interest to a piece. Often used in beaded purses, or embroidered on the edge of clothing. Fringe is commonly used to finish artwork or jewelry created with brick-stitch or other bead stitching techniques.

An image or picture created by the arrangement of many separate and smaller colored pieces. Mosaic designs are often made of tiles, stones or glass beads set in mortar. A mosaic effect can be created using a pattern that emulates this type of art by using patches of different colors in a picture. Beaded mosaic artwork is created using bead looms, bead embroidery, or other beadweaving techniques. You can find beaded mosaics on clothing, handbags, tapestries and many other types of accessories or decor.

Refers specifically to oxidation or corrosion on metal surfaces like copper, but also generally to a sheen on any surface that makes it look old and used (the “antique” look). You can create patinas on metal jewelry with chemical solutions and corrosive materials like ammonia or vinegar. Be sure to understand the safety concerns before trying this, both in terms of ventilation and not damaging your jewelry. photo credit

The art of intricate carving on ivory, and the resulting pieces. Since harvesting ivory is illegal due to overhunting, ethical scrimshanders use recycled ivory from old piano keys, extinct animals, and naturally shed antlers.

Any small bead can be used as a spacer. Spacer beads are often unnoticable (on purpose) but serve an important function in the spacing of a jewelry design. The bead can be made of any material; it is referred to as a spacer bead based on its function in the design. Often spacer beads are small metal beads or glass seed beads.

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